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Also called: Colour Doppler ultrasound, Doppler ultrasound machine, Duplex ultrasound

Color Doppler Ultrasound Machine: Modes, Probes and Uses

Doppler shows blood flow on top of the grey-scale image. Here is what each Doppler mode does, which exams need it and what to test before you buy.

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Doppler modes

ModeWhat it showsTypical use
Colour DopplerDirection and mean velocity of flow as colour over the imageVascular, obstetric, abdominal, thyroid
Power DopplerPresence of flow, with high sensitivity to slow flowSmall vessels, inflamed tissue, MSK
PW (pulsed-wave) DopplerVelocity at a chosen depth as a spectral traceArterial and venous studies, umbilical artery
CW (continuous-wave) DopplerHigh velocities along a line, without depth selectionCardiac valves and stenosis

Which exams need Doppler

Vascular

Carotid, arterial and venous studies, including assessment for deep vein thrombosis.

Obstetric

Umbilical and uterine artery studies — keep an eye on the thermal index in pregnancy.

Cardiac

Valve flow and pressure estimates, which need PW and CW Doppler.

Abdomen and small parts

Organ perfusion, and flow in thyroid nodules and lymph nodes.

Aesthetics

Mapping facial vessels before filler injections.

What to check when buying

  • Whether colour Doppler is standard or a licensed option on the quoted platform.
  • Doppler sensitivity to slow flow, tested on your own patients in a demo.
  • Whether CW Doppler is available and which probes support it, if you do cardiac work.
  • Measurement and report packages for vascular, obstetric or cardiac Doppler.
  • How easy it is to adjust scale, gain and angle correction during a busy clinic.

Read next Echo machines and cardiac ultrasoundChoosing by specialty

Related guides

Ultrasound Machine: How to Choose by SpecialtyEvery specialty needs a different mix of probes, Doppler modes and software. Here is what each one should look for.Obstetric and Gynaecology Ultrasound MachinesWhat an O&G clinic needs from an ultrasound machine — from early-pregnancy transvaginal scans to growth charts, Doppler and 4D.Echo Machine: Choosing a Cardiac Ultrasound SystemAn echo machine is an ultrasound system set up to image the heart. Here is what separates it from a general system and what to test before you buy.

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Delivery, installation and training across Malaysia from Batu Caves, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between colour Doppler and power Doppler?
Colour Doppler shows the direction and mean velocity of flow. Power Doppler shows the presence of flow with greater sensitivity to slow flow, but standard power Doppler does not show direction.
Do I need CW Doppler?
Mainly for cardiac work, where velocities across valves can be too high for PW Doppler to measure. Most non-cardiac clinics manage with colour and PW Doppler.
Is colour Doppler included on every ultrasound machine?
Not always. On some platforms it is standard and on others it is a licensed option, so check that the quotation lists it.

Get a written quotation

Tell us your clinic or lab type, daily workload and location. We match suitable models and send a written quotation with delivery, installation and training spelled out.